The Indian Air Force (IAF) is modernizing its medium transport aircraft fleet with a tender for 60 aircraft, featuring the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium and the Airbus A400M as key contenders. The C-390, priced at $80 million per unit, offers significant cost savings compared to the A400M, which ranges from $160 million to $187 million per unit, allowing the IAF to allocate funds for other critical areas. The C-390’s versatility, advanced technology, and potential for a mid-air refueling variant enhance its appeal, particularly as it could replace the ageing An-32 fleet. Additionally, the opportunity for local manufacturing aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting domestic aerospace capabilities while simultaneously meeting strategic defense needs.